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Yesterday, Frank Bruni caught some flack from his normally adoring commenters for bemoaning the Obamas’ date choice as “a little too pat and controlled.” Typical response: “With all respect, this note is frivolous and silly. With the exception of Babbo, none of the restaurants you mention are on the ‘If you had one night in NYC, where would you eat?’ list.” Of course, the Obamas must’ve weighed their decision carefully — here’s what some other possibilities might’ve been, and the reasons they didn’t hack it.

CortonPro: Much-buzzed-about restaurant that would show off the Obamas’ impeccable taste. Con: Dishes with foam might be ridiculed the same way Spam sushi was.Security Concern: Drew “Heavy D” Nieporent giving Barack a rib-crushing bear hug upon entry.

Momofuku KoPro: It’s in keeping with Obama’s youthful, grass-roots sensibility, and (thanks to the reservation system) his Internet savvy.Con: If Chang’s parents couldn’t score a VIP resy, Obama is screwed, too.Security Concern: If the president has to cancel owing to a national emergency, he’ll be socked with a $150 charge.